Pascal Okechukwu, the socialite known as Cubana Chief Priest, has firmly denied running in the APC primary for Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency in Imo State. He says he withdrew before the election took place.
Okechukwu made the announcement through Instagram posts on Sunday. He blamed the party's zoning arrangement for his decision to step back from the race.
According to him, Governor Hope Uzodimma explained that the seat remained zoned to Orlu Local Government Area. His own local government hadn't yet gotten a turn, the governor noted.
The businessman also mentioned that his elder brother, Asiwaju Jerry Alagboso, had previously served three consecutive terms in the House. That factored into the calculation, he explained.
Okechukwu described himself as loyal to the party and its progressive ideals. He said he respected the internal arrangements after talking with party leadership.
He initially showed interest in the race due to representation concerns in the constituency. But once APC leaders made their decision clear, he accepted it.
"In respect for the party and its leadership, I chose not to proceed," Okechukwu stated. "Nobody will say they saw me anywhere around the primaries venue."
Party officials communicated the decision early Saturday morning, just before voting began. He then headed back to Lagos without participating.
Reports had claimed he participated in the primary and received 14 votes. Okechukwu dismissed these accounts as entirely false.
He accused unnamed individuals of using his name for "unnecessary trending and online propaganda." The claims, he insisted, were politically motivated and laughable.
Some outlets had linked him to the primary's outcome in various ways. Okechukwu rejected all such connections outright.
Another controversy involved claims he owed supporters or political associates money related to his failed ambition. The businessman denied this completely.
"I am not indebted to anybody over my aspiration," Okechukwu told reporters. "It was driven by my personal conviction and desire to serve."
Despite stepping aside, he reaffirmed his commitment to the APC. The party would have his continued backing, he promised.
Okechukwu pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. He called the Asiwaju mandate something his party stood behind unapologetically.
"The APC remains my party, today and always," he concluded. "I remain loyal and committed to the ideals and leadership of our great party."
